Toyota Wish Review
2015-2020
The Toyota Wish (AE20 Series 2nd Facelift) is Kenya's quintessential low-slung 7-seater multi-passenger wagon. Blending station wagon sedan handling with 3-row seating capacity, the Wish remains a favored vehicle for large families, executive airport transfers, and upcountry passenger transport. Powered by 1.8L and 2.0L Valvematic engines paired with a 7-speed CVT, all variants qualify for Kenya's standard 25% excise duty tax bracket.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- 7-seater low-slung MPV versatility: Combines station wagon car-like driving dynamics with 3-row seating capacity.
- Sub-2,000 cc import duty advantage: Both 1.8L and 2.0L engines qualify for KRA's 25% excise duty tax bracket.
- High local resale demand: Exceptional capital retention and universal spare parts availability across Kenya.
- Cavernous 580 L boot space when 3rd row is folded: Perfect for upcountry passenger luggage and cargo.
What’s not so good
- Production ended in late 2017/2018: Importable units face 8-year age cutoff deadlines in 2026.
- Low 150 mm ground clearance: Requires care over tall speed bumps when carrying 7 full passengers.
Most popular: Wish 1.8 S / 1.8 G / 2.0 Z
5 doorsPetrolAutomatic, CVT
At a glance
- Model
- Toyota Wish (AE20 Series 2nd Facelift)
- Production years
- 2015–2020
- Body type
- 5-Door 7-Seater Low-Slung MPV Wagon
- Seating capacity
- 7 (or 6 with Captain's Chairs)
- Fuel types
- Petrol
- Engine sizes
- 1,797 cc (1.8L 2ZR-FAE) / 1,986 cc (2.0L 3ZR-FAE)
- Transmission
- 7-Speed Super CVT-i Automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD or 4WD
- Ground clearance
- 150 mm
- Source market
- Japan (RHD)
Fuel consumption
Manufacturer / import-market figures: 16.0 km/L (1.8L Petrol) / 14.4 km/L (2.0L Petrol). Tank: 60 L (about 960 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 1,681 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,247 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 14,185
- Full tank (60 L)
- KES 13,618
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Trims & variants
1.8 X / 1.8 S / 1.8 G / Monotone
- Setup
1.8L Valvematic 4-cylinder (143 hp / 173 Nm), 7-speed CVT, FWD or 4WD, returning 16.0 km/L combined.
- Why it gets shipped
Low import tax duty, excellent fuel economy, and reliable performance.
- Local consideration
The volume seller among family wagon buyers.
Package tiers
Wish package levels progress from practical 1.8X models to sporty 1.8S and flagship 2.0Z Aero editions.
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| 1.8 X | Utility base | Fabric seats, manual climate control, 15-inch steel wheels, and power windows. |
| 1.8 S / 1.8 G | Executive sport | Aero bumpers, 16-inch alloys, automatic climate control, push start, and sports fabric upholstery. |
| 2.0 Z Aero | Flagship sport | Wide fender flares, 17-inch alloys, paddle shifters, 6-seater Captain's chairs, and rear spoiler. |
About the Toyota Wish
Kenya enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive compliance. In 2026, 2018 to 2020 Wish models sit inside the direct import window (production officially ended in 2017/2018, with late registered units available).
The 1.8L (1,797 cc 2ZR-FAE) and 2.0L (1,986 cc 3ZR-FAE) stay strictly below 2,000 cc, giving buyers low customs import duty rates while providing a spacious 7-seater cabin.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
